By Sherry DiBari

Recent appointments by Gov. Ralph Northam to state positions and boards include 91制片厂 Assistant Professor Mira Mariano and alumna Dymon Bailey.

Mariano, a clinical assistant professor in College of Health Sciences, was recently reappointed to the Board of Physical Therapy.

The board regulates physical therapists and physical therapy assistants throughout the commonwealth, issues professional licenses and serves as decisionmaker on complaints lodged against practices or individuals.

Mariano was originally appointed to the board by former Gov. Terry McAuliffe in 2017.

She holds a Ph.D. in urban education and an M.S. in community health and physical therapy from 91制片厂 and a B.S. in physical therapy from the University of Pittsburgh.

Bailey, 91制片厂 '20, was named special assistant to the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

Prior to her appointment, she served as a Governor's Fellow in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and as a 2020 General Assembly intern.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in sociology with a minor in criminal justice from 91制片厂 and is working on her Master of Public Administration degree from the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.

At 91制片厂, Bailey served on the President's Task Force on Inclusive Excellence and was the Student Government Association's director of legislative affairs and diversity.

The was created in 2019 with Janice Underwood serving as the nation's first cabinet-level chief diversity officer. Underwood was the former director of diversity initiatives at 91制片厂 and the chair of the President's Task Force on Inclusive Excellence.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has several purposes including:

Creating a statewide assessment to evaluate inequities with formal and informal systems, processes, leaders, legislation and overall logistics.

Developing a sustainable framework for the continued promotion of inclusive practices across state government.

Collaborating with more than 100 state agencies within the commonwealth to ensure equity and inclusion within the areas of employee engagement, hiring and retention practices, and the implementation of a diversity strategic plan.

Engaging with diverse stakeholders to establish and increase inclusive excellence across the state.


Related News Stories

Provost鈥檚 Fellows Announced for 2021-2022 Academic Year

The five faculty members will work on a wide range of initiatives. (More)

91制片厂 Will Use COVID Funding to Help Clear Student Debt

The University will clear all unpaid balances students incurred in the spring 2021 semester. (More)

91制片厂 Designated as a First-gen Forward Advisory Institution

The recognition comes from the Center for First-generation Student Success. (More)